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Monday, August 25, 2014

Nurturing Creativity

Playing with carving my own print blocks

I suppose we all have the occasional dry period when nothing seems exciting, when we just don't feel like picking up a brush, when we're tired or overwhelmed. And in fact I have a whole post in the pipeline that will be a follow-up to this one, addressing those things that kill creativity--or at least inhibit it to the point of entropy.

And honestly, when it comes right down to the nitty-gritty, what inspires us--what nurtures that mischievous and elusive muse--is as individual as we are.

Often, what works for me is to make a list--well, two of them really. One list of those things that feed my soul, and one of the things that definitely do NOT. I have done this little exercise time and again through the years...it helps me take compass readings and make sure I'm still on course, as well as where I need to jettison some cargo or turn the wheel a bit to starboard.

Who wouldn't wish to see a few more of those stars like silvery eyes in a velvet sky, eh? (And yes, of course my sailor husband would remind me that starboard isn't up--work with me here, all right? I'm sailing this imaginary sloop...)

For we ARE creative beings. That's what we do. Whether we create a piece of art, a symphony, a happy child, a balanced budget, a good meal or order out of chaos, we are fulfilling that urge. I once wrote an article suggesting that that is what we have most in common with the Creator; I still believe that, and I'm more grateful than ever, 25 years later.

Dip pens cut from feathers or sticks

So. What nurtures creativity? What inspires me?

Here's my list--this week. Make your own. They may be quite similar, they may be entirely different, but they must be honest, straight from the heart.

An open mind

Paying attention

Meditation

Listening to what really matters to me

The light on my sleeping husband's face

Quiet

Time

Books

Textures

Joseph's hands

Flavors

Play

New places

Old ones...heart homes, near and far--places that have touched me

Music

Rest

A new tool--a new pigment, a fountain pen that's smooth of nib, a vegetable peeler, whatever!

Paper I love to work on

Beauty

Nature

Light

Color

Learning

New ideas

Reviving old ones that work

Taking time for me (if I give it all away, I have nothing left for any of us)

Honesty

Friends who "get it" (Get what, you say? Well, that's as individual as we are, as well.)

Art--seeing what others have done or are doing can spark a conflagration

Recent inspirations:- A quote I want to embrace- Listening to 'deep' lectures, and capturing images that pop into mind- Perfect paper in my journal- Something I want to say to a loved one on a postcard- Translating sensations and impressions into swirls and bubbles- Wise words I want to pin down and revisit later- Miniature dropper-bottles of ink and empty fountain pens- Color play of all sorts- Revisiting a page in my book and adding color with Inktense or mixed inks- Play with school supplies and a waterbrush- Lovely watercolor paper pre-cut to Postcard size- The list of inspirations posted in Cathy Johnson's blog- Comics to borrow from as I train my hand at placing my figures into backgrounds- Late night music-listening- The muses, the amusements, the accoutrements, and the enhancements.

....haven't got enuf paper fer me list, practically everything inspires me, I get overload and shake because I can't get to some paper and paints, sometimes when I get into the studio I have to make myself breath deep and slow to calm me down. Mind you, even the shakes can produce some interesting fun textures. Thanks for all your generous tips and pointers, you're a star :-D

As I read this it struck me that you are one of the few artists that really nurture and give to your audience, without preaching or boasting or making one feel inadequate. I come away feeling inspired, grateful and my heart warmed and it's been a long time since I felt that. Thank you so much!

I believe we are ALL born with this wonderful gift to use in one way or another, so how could I preach or boast? "My way" is no better than anyone else's. Our job is to encourage one another, don't you think?

Other artists I admire.Viewing art I loveTime in natureTime with friendsGoing thru old art journalsLearning new thingsTravelTrying new techniques, methods, ideasDestashingWalks in the woods, along the oceanTaking a new classTeaching othersA good bookGood musicMeditationBeautiful words, thoughts, ideas, things, placesGratitudeSometimes failure – and that stubborn streak to keep tryingQuiet timesMornings – the quiet times sipping coffee – easing into the daySunrises/sunsetsLightPlay!!!!Taking time to explore something newSometimes a walk thru a new store that I wouldn’t typically visitSometimes bookstoresSometimes even a stroll thru the produce section or especially farmer’s markets– all that color!!! All that variety!Gardens

I am grateful you started writing again. And creating, by the way. I am totally blocked in the moment but surely i´ll get through. This happens from time to time. This time it is an exhibition i would like to contribute but they ask for bigger formats - bigger than A4, and i like creating smaller paintings. So i do not do anything because i shy away from the bigger sheet. And end up doing nothing. Silly, isn´t it? That´s why i write: it would be so kind of you to show the making of the teabag one? You draw through the tissue, is that right? With ink? I appreciate the faded look of the sketch and the broken texture. Anyway, have a nice day!

Maike, I think we all get blocked--or overwhelmed--from time to time. Thank you! And yes, I totally understand what you're saying.

I used a used teabag that's been allowed to dry and get stained. I laid it on the paper, rewet it with my sprayer, and drew on it with two different brown watercolor pencils. It soaked through, making the "ghost" image, isn't that interesting?

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About...

I think I was born with a crayon in my hand. My baby book has drawings done when I was two...you can almost tell what they are! (The hammer and the urge to build came later--I was 5 when I built my first wood and nails project.)
I've kept an artist's journal for decades, recording, celebrating, observing, learning, and sometimes coping with everyday life!
I've been a working artist for 35 years and more, and have written and illustrated 34 books. These include 9 for North Light Books and two art books for The Sierra Club. I make art almost every day--because I have to. It's me.

Making art is like breathing, to me. It's sustaining, it's healing, it's delight. It's how I celebrate; it's how I learn; it's how I show love, care, and respect; it's how I cope.

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This started out as my fine arts gallery blog, and I will still occasionally offer art or link to my Etsy shop...but for the most part it's about art and life and creativity. And cats, don't forget cats.

It is very important to me to put art into the hands of those who will enjoy it most, and I hope you will find something that pleases your soul, in your price range. All art is original unless otherwise stated, and all are available unless marked "sold."

New Book! The Artist's Sketchbook

Please come check it out...copies signed by the author are available here.